What You're Known For

"May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes." (Psalm 119:74,79)

Observation

The Psalmist is asking each of us a question. "What do you want to be known for? When people come to you, what will be their preconceived ideas about you? What will your reputation be? What will it be that will attract people to you?"
In this Psalm, David writes that he wants to be known for one who put his hope in God's Word. He wanted to be known as one who knew the statutes of God.
Paul the apostle had the same idea. In 1 Cor. 2:2, we find these words: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."
Paul could have become proficient in many trades. He could have easily become knowledgeable in many subjects but he chose to know about Christ and His plan for mankind.

Application

This is my desire too in the years ahead. I guess I can get proficient in many things, but my main desire is to know Christ and Him crucified. Of course, I will need to be competent in ministry acumen and expertise, but the bottom irreducible will be my genuine relationship with Christ.
I have been feeling a stronger pull than usual from the lower minions of hell in the past few years, as if the adversary has been singling a few out for attack. I feel like Jesus is saying to me, as He said to Peter in Luke 22:31: "Peter, Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail, and when you have once turned, strengthen your brethren."
It's almost as if God were giving me my next assignment … to win at this fight and then strengthen those who are facing the same barrages from hell.
But this is my prayer that I, like David and like Paul, will be known for my relationship with Christ and knowing what heaven is saying in whatever season we are facing. And when they come to me, these people will know that I have been through the same valleys and that I have a word of hope for them.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for me that my faith may not fail. I will stand strong in Your Presence to walk with You, and then I will strengthen the brethren.